How do you improve on a range of award-winning loudspeakers loved by music lovers around the world? Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled the next generation of the popular 600 S3 speaker series , which builds on three decades of experience creating the reference standard for affordable yet high-quality speakers.
This is the eighth generation of one of the most famous Hi-Fi ranges, having received the most extensive update in the history of the 600 Series.
The 600 Series has always played a key role in the Bowers & Wilkins portfolio – not least because it is the company’s second longest continuous production series – behind the iconic 800 Diamond Series.
At a time when an increasing number of listeners are demanding better sound, whether on vinyl or in high-resolution streaming, the S3 generation of the 600 series represents the ideal first step towards experiencing “true sound” – True Sound, as intended by the artist, which makes it the best entry point into the Bowers & Wilkins brand.
The new series consists of four models: the floor standing 603 S3, two bookshelf models 606 S3 and 607 S3, plus the HTM6 S3, a dedicated center channel for home theater applications.
Each model is available in a variety of finishes, including White or Black, Oak, and a fourth option, Cherry, which will only be available in APAC (Asia Pacific) markets. The new FS-600 shelf model floor stand is available in silver or black.
All new models have been designed to work optimally together in various combinations within the 600 S3 series home theater systems, integrating perfectly with the HTM6 S3 dedicated center channel and one of the existing ASW608 or ASW610 active subwoofers.
A new titanium dome tweeter adds definition and refinement to the sound. Bowers & Wilkins designs and manufactures all key speaker components in-house and innovates over time. This approach is continued in the new models of the 600 S3 series, which feature many improvements in all aspects of their acoustic performance. Many of the new components are borrowed from the 700 S3 series and incorporated into redesigned and improved chassis designs.
The most significant innovation in the 600 S3 series is the titanium dome tweeter technology. Its two-piece design features a very thin, light but rigid 25 micron main dome backed by a second 30 micron titanium ring. This double dome is housed in a significantly extended load tube system inspired by the recently introduced 700 S3 series. A longer load tube lowers the resonant frequency of the cavity behind the dome and results in a more open sound that is less affected by the cabinet that houses the tweeter.
In addition, the new titanium dome is surrounded by a mounting plate, the same as the 700 S3 Series tweeter, for improved sound dispersion, and features a more open tweeter guard grille design borrowed from the recently introduced 800 Signature Series.
Bowers & Wilkins’ signature Continuum cones continue to feature in the new 600 S3 Series midrange and bass/midrange drivers, with the addition of the more powerful, low distortion magnet systems from the 700 S3 Series. The paper cone bass drivers in the 603 S3 floorstanding model are now also powered by the 703 S3 driver.
The crossovers have also been updated to include high-quality, re-engineered bypass capacitors from the 700 S3 series for greater resolution and transparency.
The cabinets of the 600 S3 series have also received significant improvements. The tweeter and main speaker are now mounted closer together using intersecting overlay rings for improved integration and stereo imaging. On the rear panel, a new terminal block borrowed from the 700 S3 series is connected to a bass port from the 700 series, which improves cabinet rigidity and sound quality.
The rigidity of the hull has also been improved by upgrading the internal bracing with higher quality wood. Finally, the bottom of the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 and 607 S3 shelf models now has metal threaded inserts, allowing them to be more securely attached to the top plate of the new FS-600 S3 stands.
By developing all of these key technologies in-house, Bowers & Wilkins has been able to offer a significant improvement in sound quality across the entire new range while maintaining excellent value for money.
Simply put, the 600 Series S3 continues to offer higher quality components and technology than the competition and intends to continue the 600 Series’ legacy as the benchmark for affordable yet high quality loudspeakers. It’s the perfect first step into the world of Bowers & Wilkins sound for music lovers everywhere.
Commenting on the launch of the new generation 600 S3 Series, Dave Sheen, Brand President of Bowers & Wilkins, said: remain the benchmark in its category. The use of key technologies in our line of high-quality loudspeakers means that all who use the new 600 Series will enjoy a performance that truly lives up to our promise of authentic sound reproduction – True Sound – and brings the listener closer to the artist’s intent than ever before.”
The new Bowers & Wilkins 600 S3 Series will go on sale August 23rd and will be available through select dealers and retailers.
The new Series 600 S3 from Bowers & Wilkins includes:
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S3
Three-way floorstanding model featuring a new 25mm (1”) titanium dome tweeter, 150mm (6”) Continuum™ cone midrange driver with FST™ suspension, and two 165mm (6.5”) woofers with paper diffusers.
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3
Bookshelf two-way stand mount speaker featuring a new 25mm (1″) titanium dome tweeter and 165mm (6.5″) Continuum cone bass/midrange driver.
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3
Compact two-way bookshelf speaker featuring a new 25mm (1”) titanium dome tweeter and a 130mm (5”) Continuum cone bass/midrange driver.
Bowers & Wilkins HTM6 S3
Dedicated, high quality 2-way center channel speaker featuring a new 25mm (1”) titanium dome tweeter and two 130mm (5”) Continuum cone bass/midrange drivers.
Floor Stand Bowers & Wilkins FS-600 S3
Floor stand for 607 S3 and 606 S3 models, available in black or silver finish, with speaker fixings.